Mom looked at my dining room table filled with gifted supplies and said, “Heart,” which meant people gave these supplies from their hearts or it touched her heart. I think both apply.

My daughter Brittany has organized an Amazon supply drive for Mom.  After opening our packages, Mom and I pull supplies and treats from the boxes as I record her reaction. “They lawww, we can use that,” and “candy,” are a few of her happy comments. Her wrinkled, but beautiful face, dons a smile and wears an expression of joy.

Dementia is daunting for both the patient and the caregiver. We experience many challenges. Mom gets confused, struggles with anxiety, longs to go home, forgets her family, and becomes agitated. I get tired, struggle to be patient, long to find balance, forget things I need to do, and become weary. Receiving gifted items made possible by the generosity of family and friends is creating good memories for Mom and me.

We read of Tabitha, or Dorcas, in Acts chapter nine. She knew how to serve. A disciple of Jesus Christ, she was full of good works and deeds toward others but she died. Those who loved Dorcas had prepared her body and laid her in an upper chamber to begin the mourning process. Two men bid Peter to come without delay. Peter arrived to see women weeping and showing the coats and garments that Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Peter was left alone; he kneeled and prayed, turned to the body, and said, “Tabitha, arise.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He presented her alive to those whom she had bestowed her acts of service. I’m sure all those saints and widows experienced increased faith and many believed due to the life, death, and resurrected life of Dorcas. Her life was not easily forgotten.

We will never forget all who have bestowed meaningful acts of service to us during this difficult season of life. We show our received supplies just as the women showed their coats and garments given by Dorcas. Mom’s life is precious and her well-being is important to her and me. I’m sure she’s most important to our Savior who has used Brittany to make others aware of her needs.

I’m thankful for acts of service that enrich Mom’s time on earth. People are giving freely of their monetary means rather than consuming it all for themselves. And, as Mom says with, “Heart.”

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13